Setting

Mrs Alison Flynn Executive Headteacher East Hoathly Church of England Primary School Church Marks Lane East Hoathly Lewes East Sussex BN8 6EQ

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Primary School

Following my visit to your school on 6 March 2013, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to confirm the inspection findings. Thank you for the help you gave during the inspection and for the time you and Mr Proctor made available to discuss the actions which have been taken since the school’s recent section 5 inspection.

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Primary School

The inspection was the first monitoring inspection since the school became subject to special measures following the inspection which took place in November 2012.

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Evidence

During this inspection, meetings were held with the executive headteacher, head of school, Chair of the Governing Body and a representative of the local authority. The local authority’s statement of action and the school’s improvement plans were evaluated. Tribal 1–4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 0117 311 5319 Direct F 0117 315 0430 Direct email : matt.parker@tribalgroup.com

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Context

Since the previous Ofsted inspection two teachers and one teaching assistant left in December 2012. Temporary replacements for all these posts and an additional temporary teaching assistant started in January 2013. A new governor started shortly after the inspection in November 2012. A partnership is developing with the other school led and managed by the executive headteacher.

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

The senior leadership team, including the governing body, is in agreement with the findings of the Ofsted inspection report from November 2012. The executive headteacher and head of school are clear about what needs to be done to improve the school. The plans for improvement are in place and being implemented; there are clear targets for improving all pupils’ reading, writing and mathematics. However, the actions described in the plans are not linked to regular check points over time in order to map out the school’s direction of travel. Nonetheless, the executive headteacher and head of school have moved rapidly to establish clear, systematic procedures for checking the progress of pupils and the quality of teaching. Consequently, the information senior leaders have gathered and analysed indicates that the quality of teaching has been secured and is starting to improve and the progress of all pupils is speeding up. Most of them, including disabled pupils

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

and those with special educational needs and those in receipt of the pupil premium, are on track to achieve higher standards of attainment. The governing body was newly formed in September 2012. It is in the early stages of becoming more effective in holding the school to account for its performance. For example, it is more familiar with the analysis of pupils’ assessment information and ensuring that staff appraisals are closely linked to what pupils achieve. The local authority has provided well-matched support to meet the needs of the school. It took robust action in the summer term of 2012 to second the executive head and head of school from two other high performing local schools. In addition, consultants for literacy, numeracy and the Early Years Foundation Stage have been deployed to work closely with staff. The governing body has received training and support. Staff from the partner school are providing additional expertise and experience. Consequently,

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

there are opportunities to share good practice and support newly qualified teachers.

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

Following the monitoring inspection the following judgements were made:

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

The local authority statement of action is fit for purpose.

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

The school’s improvement plan is fit for purpose. The school may appoint one newly qualified teacher before the next monitoring inspection.

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The quality of leadership and management at the school

I am copying this letter to the Secretary of State, the Chair of the Governing Body and the Director of Children’s Services for East Sussex County Council. This letter will be published on the Ofsted website.

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